As the winter begins to come into full swing across the United States, there is no better time to turn up the post-punk melancholia. Take some time to pour yourself something bitter and dive deep into the sophomore release of Chicago’s Luggage, the perfect pairing for any dark dismal day.

The second full length from the post-punk trio; containing seasoned members of such projects as Cleared, Basic Cable, E+, and Heavy Times. It comes as no surprise that the musicianship present within Three is one that leaves nothing for want. Michael Vallera, Michael John Grant, and Luca Cimarusti bring fourth some of their finest architectural displays of musicality. The classic droning and almost ritualistic guitar work that is all too familiar with the post-punk genre presents itself as the downward leader for the story of Three. Vallera’s vocals mixed into the back of the songs provide us with subtle bearing on where we are being taken, delivering us into some insights on the concepts and themes present. Discussing with us their experiences, emotional displays, and cathartic healings, juxtaposed with a clear bass tone and drum section that together create an atmosphere of forward momentum amidst this downward decent. The triadic nature of the bands interexchange’s throughout the album are ones of harmony that then turn into a ceremony of beautifully timed and executed chaos. The somewhat meditative overtone of deconstructed dark drones exists within as well with songs such as "Wine," "Phone," and "Chicago." The end track, "Ditch," is easily my favorite in the entire album. You’re greeted by hypnotic drumming section that then leads into a guitar that slates us with a cold confrontational deterioration. The humming paired with Vallera’s subtle vocal repletion feels like the end point of a fracture in psyche; wherein no matter the attempts of escape you’ve made along the way you’re left in the ditch.

The best way to describe Three is that it is an album you shouldn’t just casually listen to or rather skip around in. it appears that Luggage wants you to sit through the journey with them. To have the full experience of the decent. If you are a fan of the post-punk genre, especially the more minimalistic side, I highly suggest that you give this album your time especially as winters gray seeps in on us in these next few months.